The monarchy is exempt from freedom of information laws

The monarchy is the only public body to enjoy a total exemption from the Freedom of Information Act. That means that members of the royal family - unlike politicians and civil servants - can carry out their roles in almost total secrecy.

One effect of the monarchy's exemption is that the public is prevented from accessing detailed information on how the royal household spends public funds.

More significantly, the exemption conceals the extent to which members of the royal family may attempt to influence government policy. This has taken on a heightened importance in recent years as the Prince of Wales makes increasingly vocal interventions into contentious political debates. Indeed, it has been suggested by some – including the Campaign for Freedom of Information - that the absolute exemption was introduced precisely to conceal the political role he is taking.